Cochlear Implant

A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that is surgically placed within the inner ear to help transmit sound via an electrical signal. It consists of external components (a microphone, a speech processor and a transmitter) and an implanted component. The microphone picks up sound from the environment and sends the signal to a speech processor which selects, analyses and digitizes the sound signals and sends them to a transmitter. This in turn sends these signals to the implant where the fibres of the auditory nerve are stimulated and sound sensations are perceived.

Traditionally cochlear implants have been offered to patients who are profoundly deaf in both ears. Recent research shows that patients with some preserved hearing, who have hearing loss in the high frequencies (high pitch) can benefit from a cochlear implant. It has also been approved as a treatment for single sided deafness (deafness in one ear only), and can be an effective treatment for tinnitus.

Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)

A BAHA is a titanium implant placed through the skin (percutaneous) and into the bone, behind the ear. It is a great solution for patients who cannot wear a hearing aid, and for those with single sided deafness to reroute the signal to the hearing ear.

Bonebridge

A Bonebridge is an implanted device beneath the skin (transcutaneous) that can overcome the problem of conductive hearing loss. This can be beneficial in patients who cannot wear a hearing aid, or those with abnormally developed ears. It is unique, in that the implanted bone conduction device is an active implant.

Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB)

The Vibrant Soundbridge is an active middle ear implant. Patients who do not want to wear a hearing aid, but would benefit from amplification of sound may wish to consider a vibrant sound bridge. The VSB has an implanted component and an external component that is worn 4cm behind the ear and can be hidden in the hair. The VSB can also provide effective rehabilitation for patients bone with an abnormal external ear or ear canal (microtia/canal atresia)